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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Maffra (Vic.) has an estimated 5,511 residents, up from 5,384 at the 2021 Census — a change of 127 people, or 2.4%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years, slower than 78% of areas nationally. Density is about 70 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on demographic assessments of ABS regional updates and subsequent home addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a population of approximately 5,511 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 127 people (2.4%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 5,384 residents. The estimate is calculated from the resident population of 5,490, which AreaSearch determined after studying the ABS ERP numbers from June 2025, alongside an additional 88 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 69 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with room for expansion.
The growth of 2.4% since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the Rest of Vic. average (4.3%), showing robust development. Net gains in the local population were driven mostly by interstate relocations, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the growth, although natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions. AreaSearch incorporates regional projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as the baseline. For locations without direct coverage, AreaSearch translates LGA-level regional projections issued by the Victorian state government in 2023 down to the SA2 level using weighted aggregation methods. Age-specific growth distributions derived from these weights are projected forward to the 2032 to 2041 period. Based on these SA2 projections, the area is expected to experience significant growth, placing it in the top national quartile for regional growth, with an estimated rise of 1,745 persons by 2041. This represents a total population expansion of 31.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
109 new dwellings have been approved in Maffra (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 21 a year. That is 4.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 25 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 96% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 19, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS construction approval data mapped to the local area, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) recorded an average of roughly 21 residential approvals per year, summing to 109 dwellings over the prior 5 financial years. During the current FY-26, 18 approvals have been registered. The relationship between housing supply and population growth appears balanced, with a ratio of 1.2 residents moving to the locality for every new home completed between FY-21 and FY-25. The average value of new dwelling builds stands at $434,000, pointing to developer interest in higher-end residential offerings.
Additionally, commercial development has seen modest activity, with $7.6 million in approvals registered in the current financial year. In comparison to the Rest of Vic., the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) exhibits roughly 68% of the per capita construction volume, placing it in the 52nd percentile of all tracked localities across the nation. The mix of new housing approvals consists of 96.0% detached residences and 4.0% semi-detached properties or units, preserving the spacious character of the area which appeals to buyers looking for larger blocks. Reflecting its low-density profile, there are approximately 314 residents for each approved home. According to demographic forecasts, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) is set to add 1,724 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent quarterly figures from AreaSearch. Should construction activity remain at its historical pace, housing supply could fall short of demand, which may increase competition and drive up local property values.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maffra (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Maffra (Vic.), worth an estimated $340 million. A further 48 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $9.95 billion. 22 are already under construction and 27 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning changes play a significant role in local performance. AreaSearch has identified 8 key initiatives that are expected to influence the local area. The most relevant projects include the Maffra Aged Care Facility, the Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands, the Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route, and the Maffra Northern Growth Precinct.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Maffra Aged Care Facility
The $69.7 million Maffra Aged Care Facility involves the construction of a new 30-bed public sector residential aged care facility. The design follows a 'small household' model, providing residents with private bedrooms and ensuites, alongside communal kitchens, dining areas, and lounges. The project also delivers a new commercial kitchen and energy centre to support the wider Maffra District Hospital campus, enhancing integrated health services for the Wellington Shire community.
Gippsland Digital Infrastructure Upgrade
Regional digital infrastructure initiative led through the Gippsland Regional Partnership and Regional Development Victoria to improve digital connectivity across Gippsland. The Gippsland Digital Plan prioritises reducing mobile blackspots, improving broadband and fibre services, supporting remote and vulnerable communities, increasing digital literacy, and improving connectivity for businesses, tourism and remote work. The program continues as an advocacy and coordination initiative with projects delivered by multiple government and telecommunications partners.
Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands
The project involves the construction of retarding basins and wetlands to manage stormwater, alleviate flooding, support integrated water management, and enable residential development as part of the Maffra Structure Plan. Planning Scheme Amendment C120well, which implements these plans, is currently under consideration for adoption.
Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route
Redirection of large freight movements from Maffra-Newry Road to Powerscourt Street and then to Sandy Creek Road to reduce heavy vehicle traffic through the town centre and residential areas, improving safety, amenity, and traffic flow. Includes upgrading Sandy Creek Road to accommodate heavy vehicles as part of the adopted Maffra Structure Plan.
Maffra South-Eastern Growth Precinct
Strategic residential expansion area (Precinct E) designated under the Maffra Structure Plan. The precinct encompasses land identified for General Residential Zone and Low Density Residential Zone development, integrated with stormwater retarding basins, wetland infrastructure, and open space corridors to accommodate around 350 lots.
Maffra Northern Growth Precinct
Council-led residential growth precinct north of Maffra (Precincts A-D) guided by the Maffra Structure Plan. Planning Scheme Amendment C120well implements the framework into the Wellington Planning Scheme through the introduction of General Residential Zone Schedule 2 (GRZ2) and Development Plan Overlay Schedule 1 (DPO1) to facilitate approximately 627 residential dwellings to 2042.
Stratford Structure Plan (2025)
A 20 year strategic structure plan being prepared by Wellington Shire Council to guide the future growth of Stratford. The plan will establish a settlement boundary, identify future residential, commercial and industrial growth areas, protect environmental and heritage assets, and provide the strategic basis for future amendments to the Wellington Planning Scheme. As of 2026, the draft plan is being finalised following community consultation and technical studies, with a final public consultation phase expected before completion.
North Sale Growth Area Development Plan
Comprehensive development plan for the 294ha North Sale Growth Area providing a framework for coordinated urban development. It includes 1,000+ residential lots, a new Sale College campus at Gibsons and Cobains Road, a 122-place early years hub, infrastructure upgrades, and community facilities.
2,493 residents of Maffra (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 2,565. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 57.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,384, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Maffra (Vic.) features a diverse labor force encompassing both white and blue-collar occupations, with a solid presence in essential services. The local unemployment rate stands at 2.8%, accompanied by a 2.8% expansion in total employment over the last year, based on statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 2,493 employed residents. This unemployment figure is 0.9% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, whereas the participation rate of 57.5% is below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 61.1%. Data from the Census showed that a modest 10.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.
The primary sectors employing local residents are healthcare & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a notable concentration of jobs in mining, which is 4.4 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, manufacturing is less prominent, employing 5.7% of the local workforce compared to 7.7% in Regional Vic.. Comparing the count of employed residents against local job numbers suggests that internal employment opportunities within the area are somewhat limited. AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics for the year ending March 2026 show that local employment grew by 2.8% while the total labor force expanded by 2.1%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. saw employment fall by 0.1%, the labor force contract by 0.3%, and unemployment decrease by 0.2 percentage points. Long-term employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional indicators of future labor demand. These projections over five and ten-year horizons have been modeled against local industry shares to project potential job growth. While nationwide employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates differ by sector. Applying these benchmarks to the local industry mix suggests employment for residents of the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) could grow by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming local trends follow national industry weightings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Maffra (Vic.) is $1,285 a week (about $67,000 a year), with median personal income at $669 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,565 a year against an average of $56,663. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to tax data from the ATO aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a median taxpayer income of $46,565 and an average of $56,663. These figures are below the national benchmarks and compare to a median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 for Regional Vic. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $51,045 for the median and $62,114 for the average. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes sat between the 19th and 22nd percentiles nationwide.
The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket accounts for 30.1% of the population, which represents 1,658 residents and is comparable to the regional proportion of 30.3%. Although residents retain 87.1% of their income due to manageable housing costs, overall disposable income remains low, placing in the 23rd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Maffra (Vic.) had 2,130 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 6% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 19.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.3%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) consisted of 93.2% free-standing houses and 6.8% other dwelling types, such as townhouses, flats, or alternative options, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. The home ownership rate matched the regional average of 41.0%, while the remaining properties were held with a mortgage (36.8%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,300, which is below the Regional Vic. average of $1,430. Similarly, the median weekly rent of $250 was lower than the regional figure of $285.
Nationally, local mortgage commitments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Maffra (Vic.) counted 2,130 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 31% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 67.4% of households, consisting of couples with children (24.7%), couples without children (30.9%), and single-parent households (10.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.6% of households, consisting of single-person households at 30.7% and group homes at 2.0%. The median household occupancy is 2.3 people, which is slightly smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.1% of adults in Maffra (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 11.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 32.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 935 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 985 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment profiles show that 16.1% of residents hold university qualifications, which is below the VIC average of 33.4%. This highlights a clear gap and potential focus area for learning programs. Bachelor degrees account for 11.0% of qualifications, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.6% and postgraduate credentials at 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.1% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.0%). Active participation in study is strong, with 27.2% of the local population enrolled in education. This group includes 11.3% attending primary school, 8.0% in high school, and 2.3% enrolled in higher education courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Maffra (Vic.) means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of local transit shows 16 active stops located within the suburb of Maffra (Vic.), serviced by 2 distinct routes that provide a combined total of 40 weekly passenger journeys. Public transport accessibility is good, with dwellings situated an average of 373 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily commuter-oriented, with 94% of residents using private cars to travel to work. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A relatively low share of 10.2% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data which was influenced by COVID-19 rules.
Transit service frequency averages 5 runs per day across all active routes, which represents approximately 2 weekly runs for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.2% of residents in Maffra (Vic.) report no long-term health condition. 7.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic health issues, the population faces notable health difficulties. These conditions affect both older and younger demographics, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is low at about 49% of the population, which equates to roughly 2,716 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 9.8% and 8.8% of the population respectively. Conversely, 63.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, which is similar to the 63.4% recorded across Regional Vic.
Health challenges are notable within the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over make up 24.9% of the population, representing 1,372 individuals, with their health outcomes ranking similarly to national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Maffra (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 91.4% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.0%) and English (33.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national averages, with citizenship at 91.0%, Australian-born residents at 91.4%, and English-only speakers at home at 96.9%. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 48.6% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The primary ancestral lines identified by residents are Australian at 34.0%, English at 33.0%, and Irish at 9.3%. There are some minor variations compared to broader regional trends, with Dutch ancestry slightly higher at 2.3% of the population compared to 1.7% regionally, Scottish ancestry at 8.6% compared to 8.8%, and Polish ancestry matching the regional average at 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Maffra (Vic.) is 42. 23.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) is 42 years, which is close to the Regional Vic. average of 43 years but older than the Australian median of 38 years. Children aged 5 - 14 years make up a relatively large portion of the population at 12.8%, whereas the 45 - 54 age bracket is smaller at 9.5% compared to Regional Vic. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 7.5% to 9.0%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket has grown from 10.3% to 11.5%.
In contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 13.7% to 11.7%. Demographic projections for 2041 forecast significant shifts, with the 25 to 34 age bracket expected to grow by 60%, adding 378 residents to reach 1,012, while the 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 8%, representing an increase of 49 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Maffra (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 88 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,384 at the 2021 Census → 5,511 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL21571). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.